WHAT ARE CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS?

Clients with Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) have one or more mental disorders as well as one or more substance use disorders. Treatment of persons with COD requires a unified approach that (1) crosses the traditional boundaries between mental health and substance abuse, and includes a wide array of caregivers and agencies (e.g., criminal justice, education, homelessness, and other social/health services agencies); (2) is based upon a unified substance abuse and mental health systems approach; (3) acknowledges “no wrong door” for entry into the care system; and (4) addresses early intervention and prevention.